Bed-Wetting: Should I Do Something About My Child's Bed-Wetting

Guides through decision of when to do something about your child's bed-wetting. Includes common reasons and home treatment options for bed-wetting. Covers benefits and risks. Includes an interactive tool to help you make your decision.

Bed-Wetting: Should I Do Something About My Child's Bed-Wetting?

You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them.

Treatments that can be used at home vary in how well they work. Many
treatments help the child learn to notice the signals sent by the bladder when
it is full. Treatments can be used alone or together and may include:

A
moisture alarm. The alarm is worn on the body and
makes a sound when urine first touches the child's underclothes. The child is
encouraged to try to "beat the buzzer." Moisture alarms are the most successful
treatment for bed-wetting, especially in children ages 10 and
older.

Motivational therapy. This method involves parents
encouraging and reinforcing a child's sense of control over bed-wetting.
Parents repeatedly tell their child that he or she can master bed-wetting. And
they also work with the child to design a reward system that will encourage and
motivate the child to stay dry. This treatment works best for children who want
to take part in it.

Desmopressin and
tricyclic antidepressants. Although medicines help
some children, bed-wetting usually returns after the medicine is stopped.
They may be used with other treatments or as needed, such as for
an overnight event. Sometimes medicine may be given for a few nights as a way
to encourage or motivate a child by helping him or her experience nighttime
dryness.

If your child's bed-wetting isn't caused by a medical
problem, it's fine to wait for the bed-wetting to stop on its own. It won't
increase your child's risk for physical problems.

Bed-wetting may
affect your child's
self-esteem and relationships with peers and with
family members. But you may be able to prevent these problems. Reassure your
child that it is normal for some children to take a little longer than others
to gain bladder control. Ask what your child would like to do to manage the
problem until it goes away, and expect him or her to take responsibility for it
(with your support).

Compare your options

Compare

What is usually involved?

What are the benefits?

What are the risks and side effects?

Treat the bed-wetting
Treat the bed-wetting

You help your child use
home treatments, medicine, or both.

With treatment, your child
may wet the bed less often.

Home
treatments can be time-consuming and require both you and your child to be
committed to using them.

Medicines for bed-wetting can cause side effects, such as an
irregular heartbeat.

Don't treat the
bed-wetting Don't treat the
bed-wetting

You wait to see if
the bed-wetting gets better on its own.

You check with your child
now and then to see if the bed-wetting is bothering him or her.

You can avoid the
side effects of medicines for bed-wetting.

You avoid the
inconvenience and stress of using home treatment methods.

There
are rarely any risks or side effects to not treating bed-wetting.

Personal stories

Are you interested in what others decided to do? Many people have faced this decision. These personal stories may help you decide.

Personal stories about treatment for bed-wetting

These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

My
10-year-old son still wets the bed once in a while. We've given him a sleeping
bag that he puts on his bed after he puts the wet sheets in the laundry. He
washes his own bedding and makes the bed again the next day. No one makes a big
deal out of it, but he's responsible for managing it on his own.

Nick, age
47

Our son has no problem managing his
bed-wetting at home, but he's really worried about what will happen when he
goes to summer camp this year. The doctor suggested that we try this medicine
to see if it works for him, and then he can just use it when he's away from
home.

Claudia, age
40

I think I
have more of a problem with my daughter's bed-wetting than she does. I've tried
not to let her know it, but I feel like she could stop if she wanted to, even
though another part of me knows that she doesn't do it on purpose. It doesn't
seem to bother her very much (probably because her best girlfriend also wets
the bed). I think it would help me to talk to someone about how I can handle my
own feelings about it better.

Carlos, age 35

What matters most to you?

Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.

Reasons to treat my child's bed-wetting

Reasons not to treat my child's bed-wetting

My child wants to try treatment.

My child does not want to try treatment.

More important

Equally important

More important

I am concerned about how the bed-wetting is affecting my child's self-esteem.

I don't think that the bed-wetting is affecting my child's self-esteem.

More important

Equally important

More important

I don't think that treatment will make my child feel ashamed.

I am worried that treatment may make my child feel ashamed.

More important

Equally important

More important

The bed-wetting is affecting my relationship with my child.

The bed-wetting doesn't hurt my relationship with my child.

More important

Equally important

More important

I am worried that the bed-wetting is affecting my child's schoolwork or relationships with friends or siblings.

The bed-wetting doesn't seem to affect my child's schoolwork or relationships with friends or siblings.

More important

Equally important

More important

My other important reasons:

My other important reasons:

More important

Equally important

More important

Where are you leaning now?

Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.

Treating my child's bed-wetting

NOT treating my child's bed-wetting

Leaning toward

Undecided

Leaning toward

What else do you need to make your decision?

Check the facts

1.

Do most children outgrow bed-wetting on their own?

YesThat's right. Some children take longer than others, but most children outgrow bed-wetting on their own.

NoSorry, that's not right. Some children take longer than others, but most children outgrow bed-wetting on their own.

I'm not sureIt may help to go back and read "Get the Facts." Some children take longer than others, but most children outgrow bed-wetting on their own.

2.

Is medical treatment usually needed when children under the age of 5 or 6 wet the bed?

YesSorry, that's not right. Medical treatment for bed-wetting usually isn't needed in children younger than 5 or 6. Home treatment may help you manage the wetting until the child stops on his or her own.

NoThat's right. Medical treatment for bed-wetting usually isn't needed in children younger than 5 or 6. Home treatment may help you manage the wetting until the child stops on his or her own.

I'm not sureIt may help to go back and read "Get the Facts." Medical treatment for bed-wetting usually isn't needed in children younger than 5 or 6.

3.

Can medical problems cause a child to begin to wet the bed again after having been dry for at least 3 months?

YesThat's right. If your child begins to wet the bed again after having been dry for at least 3 months, it can be a sign of a medical problem, such as a urinary tract infection.

NoSorry, that's not right. If your child begins to wet the bed again after having been dry for at least 3 months, it can be a sign of a medical problem, such as a urinary tract infection.

I'm not sureIt may help to go back and read "Get the Facts." If your child begins to wet the bed again after having been dry for at least 3 months, it can be a sign of a medical problem, such as a urinary tract infection.

You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them.

Bed-Wetting: Should I Do Something About My Child's Bed-Wetting?

Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.

Get the facts

Compare your options

What matters most to you?

Where are you leaning now?

What else do you need to make your decision?

1. Get the Facts

Your options

Treat the bed-wetting with home treatments or medicine.

Wait for the bed-wetting to stop without treatment.

Key points to remember

Most children stop wetting the bed on their
own. Gaining bladder control is a normal part of development that takes longer in
some children.

If your child is younger than 5 or 6, medical
treatment for bed-wetting probably isn't needed. Home treatment may help you
manage the wetting until the child stops on his or her own.

If your
child is older than 5 or 6, the choice to begin treatment is based on how you
and your child feel about it.

If your child has begun wetting again
after having been dry for at least 3 months, the wetting may be caused by a
treatable medical problem, such as a
urinary tract infection.

FAQs

When do most children stop wetting the bed?

Bed-wetting is common in young children.1

In 5-year-olds, 15 to 20 out of 100 children
wet the bed.

In 7-year-olds, 7 out of 100 children wet the
bed.

In 10-year-olds, 5 out of 100 children wet the
bed.

In 12- to 14-year-olds, 2 or 3 out of 100 children wet the
bed.

Children grow and develop at different rates. Bed-wetting
will usually stop over time without treatment. Bed-wetting is rarely caused by
a medical problem.

Treatment for bed-wetting is usually not a cure. The
goal is to reduce the number of times the child wets the bed and to manage the
wetting until it goes away on its own.

How well do treatments for bed-wetting work?

Treatments that can be used at home vary in how well they work. Many
treatments help the child learn to notice the signals sent by the bladder when
it is full. Treatments can be used alone or together and may include:

A
moisture alarm. The alarm is worn on the body and
makes a sound when urine first touches the child's underclothes. The child is
encouraged to try to "beat the buzzer." Moisture alarms are the most successful
treatment for bed-wetting, especially in children ages 10 and
older.

Motivational therapy. This method involves parents
encouraging and reinforcing a child's sense of control over bed-wetting.
Parents repeatedly tell their child that he or she can master bed-wetting. And
they also work with the child to design a reward system that will encourage and
motivate the child to stay dry. This treatment works best for children who want
to take part in it.

Desmopressin and
tricyclic antidepressants. Although medicines help
some children, bed-wetting usually returns after the medicine is stopped.
They may be used with other treatments or as needed, such as for
an overnight event. Sometimes medicine may be given for a few nights as a way
to encourage or motivate a child by helping him or her experience nighttime
dryness.

What new problems could occur if you treat your child's bed-wetting?

Depending on how you manage it, your child might
feel punished or feel as though attention is being drawn to the wetting.

If you use medicines, your child may have side effects, including an
irregular heartbeat. Keep medicines out of children's reach. Some can be very dangerous if taken in large doses.

What could happen if you don't treat your child's bed-wetting?

If your child's bed-wetting isn't caused by a medical
problem, it's fine to wait for the bed-wetting to stop on its own. It won't
increase your child's risk for physical problems.

Bed-wetting may
affect your child's
self-esteem and relationships with peers and with
family members. But you may be able to prevent these problems. Reassure your
child that it is normal for some children to take a little longer than others
to gain bladder control. Ask what your child would like to do to manage the
problem until it goes away, and expect him or her to take responsibility for it
(with your support).

2. Compare your options

Treat the bed-wetting

Don't treat the
bed-wetting

What is usually involved?

You help your child use
home treatments, medicine, or both.

You wait to see if
the bed-wetting gets better on its own.

You check with your child
now and then to see if the bed-wetting is bothering him or her.

What are the benefits?

With treatment, your child
may wet the bed less often.

You can avoid the
side effects of medicines for bed-wetting.

You avoid the
inconvenience and stress of using home treatment methods.

What are the risks and side effects?

Home
treatments can be time-consuming and require both you and your child to be
committed to using them.

Medicines for bed-wetting can cause side effects, such as an
irregular heartbeat.

There
are rarely any risks or side effects to not treating bed-wetting.

Personal stories

Are you interested in what others decided to do? Many people have faced this decision. These
personal stories
may help you decide.

Personal stories about treatment for bed-wetting

These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

"My 10-year-old son still wets the bed once in a while. We've given him a sleeping bag that he puts on his bed after he puts the wet sheets in the laundry. He washes his own bedding and makes the bed again the next day. No one makes a big deal out of it, but he's responsible for managing it on his own."

— Nick, age
47

"Our son has no problem managing his bed-wetting at home, but he's really worried about what will happen when he goes to summer camp this year. The doctor suggested that we try this medicine to see if it works for him, and then he can just use it when he's away from home."

— Claudia, age
40

"I think I have more of a problem with my daughter's bed-wetting than she does. I've tried not to let her know it, but I feel like she could stop if she wanted to, even though another part of me knows that she doesn't do it on purpose. It doesn't seem to bother her very much (probably because her best girlfriend also wets the bed). I think it would help me to talk to someone about how I can handle my own feelings about it better."

— Carlos, age 35

3. What matters most to you?

Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.

Reasons to treat my child's bed-wetting

Reasons not to treat my child's bed-wetting

My child wants to try treatment.

My child does not want to try treatment.

More important

Equally important

More important

I am concerned about how the bed-wetting is affecting my child's self-esteem.

I don't think that the bed-wetting is affecting my child's self-esteem.

More important

Equally important

More important

I don't think that treatment will make my child feel ashamed.

I am worried that treatment may make my child feel ashamed.

More important

Equally important

More important

The bed-wetting is affecting my relationship with my child.

The bed-wetting doesn't hurt my relationship with my child.

More important

Equally important

More important

I am worried that the bed-wetting is affecting my child's schoolwork or relationships with friends or siblings.

The bed-wetting doesn't seem to affect my child's schoolwork or relationships with friends or siblings.

More important

Equally important

More important

My other important reasons:

My other important reasons:

More important

Equally important

More important

4. Where are you leaning now?

Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.

Treating my child's bed-wetting

NOT treating my child's bed-wetting

Leaning toward

Undecided

Leaning toward

5. What else do you need to make your decision?

Check the facts

1.
Do most children outgrow bed-wetting on their own?

Yes

No

I'm not sure

That's right. Some children take longer than others, but most children outgrow bed-wetting on their own.

2.
Is medical treatment usually needed when children under the age of 5 or 6 wet the bed?

Yes

No

I'm not sure

That's right. Medical treatment for bed-wetting usually isn't needed in children younger than 5 or 6. Home treatment may help you manage the wetting until the child stops on his or her own.

3.
Can medical problems cause a child to begin to wet the bed again after having been dry for at least 3 months?

Yes

No

I'm not sure

That's right. If your child begins to wet the bed again after having been dry for at least 3 months, it can be a sign of a medical problem, such as a urinary tract infection.

Decide what's next

1.
Do you understand the options available to you?

Yes

No

2.
Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you?

Yes

No

3.
Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice?

Yes

No

Certainty

1.
How sure do you feel right now about your decision?

Not sure at all

Somewhat sure

Very sure

2.
Check what you need to do before you make this decision.

I'm ready to take action.

I want to discuss the options with others.

I want to learn more about my options.

3.
Use the following space to list questions, concerns, and next steps.

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